Shearer Raises Big Smiles at Primary

Shearer Raises Big Smiles at Primary

Article excerpt

FOOTBALL hero Alan Shearer has told school children to reach for their dreams and work hard.

The former Newcastle United and England striker told primary pupils in Gateshead not to cut corners and to aspire for great things in a motivational assembly.

Grinning youngsters fired questions at the star about his own career and school days before being treating to autographs, photos and a look at the shirt and boots he wore when scoring his last ever hattrick for NUFC. Dressed in a smart coat and jeans, Alan spent more than an hour chatting to pupils at Caedmon Community Primary School, Bensham, after being invited to come and meet the children by reception teacher Amy Brown. Alan said: "I had aspirations when I was their age and I had a hero - Kevin Keegan.

"It's just great to try and give something to the kids and tell them to try and fulfil their dreams.

"I was lucky enough it happened to me. It can happen.

"Everybody is given something, a talent.

"Not everyone can be a footballer but if you can't be a footballer do something else.

"It's important to try and encourage children to achieve something." Beaming from ear to ear after having her football shirt signed, 11-year-old Hannah Marshall, from Bensham, said meeting Alan Shearer had been 'awesome'.

She said: "I got my shirt signed and I'll never wash it! I can't wait to show everyone."

Little Lexi Campbell, five, will be the envy of her older brothers after being picked to pose for a photo with the star alongside a replica Premier League trophy. She said: "He was very nice and friendly.

I've got brothers who play football all the time like my brother Toby who is in Year 4."

During his talk the retired player turned pundit explained about his decision to play for Newcastle United over Manchester United after Euro 96.

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